Scientists theorize that it was the Noretsu Aikido Eater, a breed of carniverous tree that preys on foolish Aikidoka. The Aikido Eater looks like an Aikidoka, and has been known to flourish in areas with too many Aikido schools.
An Aikidoka, mistaking the branch for a wrist, grabs the tree in an attempt to ascertain it's skill level. When, after several days without a response, the Aikidoka tries to pull his hand away, he realizes that it has been covered with sap. Several weeks later, a fully preserved Aikidoka is excreded from the "rear" of the tree, a curiosity for MA practitioners and scientists alike.

Does Aikido teach lessons that are applicable to streetfighting or modern MMA-style competition? It might or it might not, depending on a whole range of factors. More importantly, though, that isn't what it's for; there are easier and more direct ways to gain those skills.

I've only ever attended a few Aikido classes, maybe twenty spread over as many years, but I can see that it does have a good deal in common with yoga. Both arts include a physical/movement technology representing the embodiment of certain philosophical ideals. I have enjoyed Aikido as a "tactical movement ritual", bearing a similar relationship to traditional Japanese unarmed combat as does capoeira to ancient African warrior arts.

I liked Fitz's "hammering with a screwdriver" comment earlier in this thread and I reckon there would be less "knee-jerk knocking" of MA that don't resemble Muay Thai, BJJ, etc. if people bore that wisdom in mind.

...It is a simplification, not necessarily an underestimation, nor a misrepesentation. More damage is done by the class of nimrods who try to market Aikido as some kind of super-cool bone real ultimate martial art then by the rather small group of people who see it as an interesting form of physical practice aimed at transforming awareness. In fact in that sense Aikido is probably one of the few Gendai Budo forms that actually qualifies as roughly what Ancient Budo was aiming to do as well, certainly more then Judo.

1.- I definitely have to read more about yoga.
2.- I didn't say Tomiki aikido ignored them, just didn't emphasize them as much as other styles (aikikai particularly).
3.- This is then just a matter on how you define the term “martial art”, which turns this into a mere matter of semantics, for which I don’t care so much about.
4.- I now agree a bit more with your point of view (it certainly needed a bit more explanation).

...I liked Fitz's "hammering with a screwdriver" comment earlier in this thread and I reckon there would be less "knee-jerk knocking" of MA that don't resemble Muay Thai, BJJ, etc. if people bore that wisdom in mind.

I'm not sure if that's such a good idea. Anyway a couple of bullshido members are messing with their heads right now you. You could do the same if you feel like it. I'm pretty sure Ronin74 is over there.

Daito-ryu is effective, but it takes a long time to learn. Back in the day, people actually had the time and means to sit around tossing each other around the dojo all day long. Hence, it didn't really matter if it took ten thousand hours to get good at what you were doing... you had the time to put into it. Consider it a "compound interest" style. :P